Screw on connector

ABSTRACT

An improved screw-on assembly for coupling line connectors with spouts has been invented. The invention can be used with bag-in-box packaging or with a variety of other applications requiring fluid coupling. In one embodiment, threading is accomplished by mating internal threads on a line connector with flexible tabs located on the spout. Deformation of the tabs during threading provides a restorative force that stabilizes the assembly during threading. Cooperation of the deformable tabs with structures near the end of the thread provides for self-locking of the assembly. In addition, the tabs are situated on a flange, providing compatibility of the present invention with prior art line connectors.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention generally relates to a method and apparatus for quickconnect and disconnect of a connector with a spout, and morespecifically to an apparatus and method incorporating flexible tabs forthreading, where the tabs provide for both axial stability duringthreading and self-locking action to keep the connector and spoutcoupled.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Line coupling devices are commonly used in fluid-containing apparatus toallow for connecting or disconnecting lines with a minimum of fluidloss, usually at locations where fluids are introduced or extracted, orat locations that facilitate maintenance or other operations. As usedhere, the term fluid includes liquids, solid particles, and gases underpressure or vacuum, or combinations of these fluids. Providing forconnecting or disconnecting of lines can be especially difficult withfluid-containing lines. Coupling of the lines while controlling fluidloss is usually achieved by incorporating coupling-actuated valves inone or more line ends or into a connector. Coupling actuates the valves,allowing fluid to flow through the connected lines, while uncoupling thelines seals one or both lines. Coupling-actuated valves of this designare applicable to a great variety of commercial, industrial, andconsumer goods.

Of particular interest here are line connectors for use in the beverageindustry where beverages and beverage syrups are packaged in acollapsible bag housed in a box, commonly referred to as a disposablebag-in-box package. An external line is attached to the bag-in-boxpackage through a line connector that is configured for quick couplingto a bag through a spout. Leakage from the line and bag prior tocoupling is minimized by line connector and spout valves that areconfigured to open when the line connector and spout are broughttogether, allowing fluid to pass through the connector. Engaging theseconnectors entails actions that both provide a leak-proof seal and opena valve to control fluid flow. In the case of beverage supplies in theservice sector of the economy, where timely response to customer'sdesire is paramount, bag-in-boxes are often stored in areas that are notreadily or easily accessible as under or above a service counter and indimly lighted environments. Thus it is important that the connectors canalso be easily worked by the operator with a minimum of motion andforce, and with a minimum of movement of the connectors and otherequipment. In addition, the spout portion of the connector is oftenincorporated into a disposable bag, and thus it is necessary that thespout and the valve mechanism internal to the spout be inexpensive.

The patents and publications discussed in this Background of theInvention provide background for the invention or are related to theinvention. All publications and patents discussed herein are herebyincorporated by reference in their entireties for all purposes.

In the U.S. Pat. No. 4,445,551 to Bond et al., titled Quick-DisconnectCoupling and Valve Assembly, a connector is disclosed that slides into aslidable valve contained within a spout. The slidable valve has fingersthat fit into the connector, so that sliding the connector into thespout causes the slidable valve to grip the connector and slide into aposition in the spout where the slidable valve is opened. The alignmentof the connector with the slider valve is crucial to the operation ofthis invention, and somewhat problematic with this configuration.

The U.S. Pat. No. 4,421,146, also to Bond et al., titledQuick-Disconnect Service-Line Connector and Valve Assembly, addressessome of the problems of the '551 patent. The '146 patent discloses aconnector that has a lower U-shaped flange portion for coupling with thespout and an upper body portion for slidably housing the valve assembly,which is slidable toward the lower U-shaped flange portion and into thespout. The connector is coupled to the spout by positioning theconnector adjacent the spout and then laterally shifting or positioningthe connector so that the U-shaped flange is saddled about an outersurface of the spout. Disadvantages of this connector include requiringthe operator to accurately position the various components duringcoupling and uncoupling, and requiring the use of both hands by theoperator.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,564,132 to Lloyd-Davies, titled Fluid DispensingAssembly, discloses a connector valve that has a nut rotatably connectedto it, the mating and valve actuating occurring when the spout and nutthreads are engaged. The incorporation of threaded spouts presents aproblem in achieving compatibility between different bag-in-boxconnector systems. The use of a complete thread form also can requiremultiple turns for making a connection and involves using longer spout.These are disadvantages for systems located in small spaces since moreroom is required to operate the spout and it may also be difficult toload or remove the boxes.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,983,964 to Zielinksi et al., titled Method and Apparatusfor Coupling with a Spout, discloses a valve subassembly for connectingto a line and a mating spout that contains a mechanism for actuating thevalve subassembly. In that patent, the valve subassembly is describedfor use in conjunction with an axially engaged connector and wasdesigned for compatibility with existing bag-in-box connectors.

The ITW New Zealand Corporation produces a screw on connector comprisinga line connector and spout assembly (part number 390-0267) thatincorporates partial threads on the spout for connecting with a threadedline connector. The ITW connector incorporates two rigid partial threadson the spout for mating with a threaded line connector, thus allowingfor some amount of compatibility. The ITW connector further has aself-locking feature that incorporates a notch on the spout and a matingpiece on the line connector that fits into the notch to form a detent.As with the Lloyd-Davies connector, placing a rigid thread on the spoutprovides compatibility with other connectors difficult.

Providing an inexpensive and easily manufactured line connector andspout combination that performs quickly, easily and positively with aminimum of motion is an important feature for bag-in-box connectors. Inaddition, it is important that the line connector and spout be easy andinexpensive to manufacture, and that the spout can inexpensively beincorporated into a disposable bag.

What is needed is a method and apparatus that will allow for quickcoupling and decoupling of fluid-containing lines. It is preferred thatthis is accomplished with a minimum of rotational or lateral motion ofthe lines, that the coupling incorporate means for sealing off the lineswhen decoupled and opening the lines when coupled, and that theconnector provides a positive indication to the operator that a couplinghas occurred and locks the connectors to prevent decoupling. Inaddition, due to the large number of line connectors and spouts in thefield, there also exists a need to have compatibility between new spoutsand existing line connectors. To ensure compatibility between new andcurrently used connector designs, there is a need for bag-in-box spoutsto conform to certain external dimensions and shapes. Current spoutdesigns have a series of flanges extending radially outwards from thespout, making it difficult to incorporate threaded connectors with manycurrent spout designs.

SUMMARY

The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for couplingfluid-containing lines with a spout, and provides a novel method andapparatus for coupling with a spout that overcomes the problems in theprior art. The introduction of new coupling technologies is acceleratedby apparatus compatible with the large base of existing equipment. Thusthere is also a need for new spouts to be compatible with other, widelyused line connectors. The apparatus of the present invention iscomprised of a line connector paired with a spout, where the combinationhas cooperating threaded features to provide a positive, self-lockingaction when the pair are coupled. The line connector is fitted with anut having an internal flange that fits into a recess in the connector,allowing for the line connector to threadably engage the spout byrotating only the nut. The spout is fitted with one or more, butpreferably two, tabs that can be threadably engaged by the nut. The tabsextend radially outwards from a tab flange, that itself extends radialoutwards from the spout. The tab flange and other flanges on the spoutare provided so that the spout of the present invention is compatiblewith existing line connectors. Specifically, in addition to the lineconnector and spout of this invention working together, the spout of thepresent invention will work with some of the more common prior art lineconnectors.

Stability during threading is achieved in several embodiments by theforce that flexed tabs impart onto the threads. If the connector is notaxially aligned, then the several tabs will not respond equally to themisalignment, and the resulting forces will tend to straighten theconnector and stabilize the threading action. When threaded, theconnector provides resistance to valves that may be internal to theconnector. Specifically, concentric with and internal to the lineconnector and spout are one or more spring-loaded poppet valves thatopen when the line connector is coupled to the spout. Actuating thevalve produces an axial force on the tab that acts to uncouple theconnector. There is a tab restraining portion of the threads thatprovides the operator with positive identification that the connector isfully coupled and that the connector will not unthread to the extentthat valves that are internal to the connector close. In one embodiment,the tab restraining portion includes a detent formed by thread and tabthat is held in place by the action of the axial force. In a secondembodiment the threads taper near the tab restraining portion and thetabs are deformably forced into place. In a third embodiment the axialforce deforms the tabs within the threads increasing the contact areabetween tab and thread, and thus the frictional force for threading.

In view of the discussion above, there exists a demonstrated need for anadvancement in the spout coupling art. It is therefore an advantage ofthe present invention to provide a novel method and apparatus forcoupling with a spout that overcomes the problems in the prior art.

It is also an advantage of the invention to provide a novel method andapparatus that can quickly couple and decouple fluid-containing lines ina single-handed operation.

It is an advantage of the invention to provide a novel method andapparatus that can quickly couple and decouple fluid-containing linesthat is compatible with existing, nonthreaded connectors.

It is also an advantage of the invention to provide a novel method andapparatus for coupling of cylindrical shaped bodies with a quickscrew-on connector that is self-locking and provides a positiveindication of coupling.

It is yet another advantage of the invention to provide a novel methodand apparatus for a combination of line connector and spout, where thespout is compatible with existing line connectors.

It is an advantage of the invention to provide a spout and lineconnector combination with a positive, self-locking stop by thecooperation of deformable tabs on the spout with line connector thread.

It is yet another advantage of the invention to provide a spout and lineconnector combination with deformable tabs on the spout and threads onthe line connector where the tab deformation stabilizes the spout andline connector during threading.

It is yet another advantage of the invention to provide a spout and lineconnector combination with deformable tabs on the spout and threads onthe line connector where the tab deformation locks the spout and lineconnector when fully threaded.

It is also an advantage of one embodiment of the invention toincorporate a detent into the connector though the cooperation ofdeformable tabs with line connector threads that restrict the decouplingunthreading of the connector.

It is an advantage of a second embodiment of the invention to deform thetabs within the threads, thus resisting decoupling by increasing thetorque required to decouple the connector.

It an advantage of a third embodiment of the invention flex the tabswithin the threads, thus resisting decoupling by increasing the frictionbetween tab and thread.

It is another advantage of the invention to provide an novel method andapparatus for coupling with a spout that is economical.

A further understanding of the invention can be had from the detaileddiscussion of specific embodiments below. For purposes of clarity, thisdiscussion refers to devices, methods, and concepts in terms of specificexamples. However, the present invention may operate with a wide varietyof types of devices that are axially connected. Other industries andapplications likewise require a convenient means for connecting anddisconnecting a connector with a spout, which may have a valve therein.In view of the disclosure of this application it will be obvious to oneskilled in the art that many different embodiments can be devised toachieve the advantages of this invention. Furthermore the invention isdescribed in terms of systems that include many different innovativecomponents and innovative combinations of components. No inferenceshould be taken to limit the invention to combinations containing all ofthe innovative components listed in any illustrative embodiment in thisspecification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a combined side view (left side) and cross-sectional side view(right side) of an uncoupled connector embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a combined side view (left side) and cross-sectional side view(right side) of a coupled line connector and spout of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a sectional top view 4—4 from FIG. 3 highlighting theconfiguration of the tabs relative to the spout and tab flange.

FIG. 5 is a side view 5—5 from FIG. 4 of a tab in an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 6 is a first embodiment thread form view of the connector threadsof the invention, along with the position and shape of the tabs atvarious stages of threading. The axial and circumferential dimensionsare shown out of proportion to more clearly show the lead angle and thedeformation of the tabs.

FIG. 7 is a second embodiment thread form view of the connector threadsof the invention, along with the position and shape of the tabs atvarious stages of threading. The axial and circumferential dimensionsare shown out of proportion to more clearly show the lead angle and thedeformation of the tabs.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

In order to facilitate the description of the present invention, thefollowing discussion will describe the invention in terms of lineconnectors used in the beverage industry. It will be understood to thoseof skill in the art, however, that the invention also may be used as aconnector between other components that are axially connected and inequipment used to transport a wide variety of liquids or gases. Inaddition, the advantages of the connector can be achieved withembodiments that are not specifically disclosed but would be obvious toone skilled in the art in light of this disclosure.

Overview of the Invention

An embodiment of a connector assembly 101 of the present invention isshown uncoupled in the perspective view of FIG. 1 and in the side viewof FIG. 2, and coupled in the side view of FIG. 3. Connector assembly101 is comprised of a line connector 103 and a spout 105. As configuredfor a bag-in-box system, line connector 103 is attached to a hose ortube (not shown) at a fluid line adapter 107, and spout 105 is attachedto a bag (not shown) at a bag flange 121. The fluid line adapter can beeither a barbed adapter as shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 3, ormay be another adapter known in the art for connecting lines such asSwagelock™, Hansen™, or any other appropriate adapter type. The bag issealed to bag flange 121, usually using the technique of heat sealing.As described subsequently, line connector 103 and spout 105 are adaptedto allow coupling of the line and bag to allow fluid to flow betweenthem by threading a tab 117 located on the spout to a thread 219internal to the line connector. It is understood that in conjunctionwith this invention, the term “fully coupled” implies that the coupledconnection 1) does not leak fluid, and 2) allows for an appreciable flowof fluid through it. Thus a connector is considered fully coupled if itdoes not leak and the valve does not close.

Line Connector

In addition to fluid line adapter 107, line connector 103 comprises hasan internal valve subassembly 109 and a collar nut 111. Valvesubassembly 109 has a valve body 201 with an internal cavity 203 that isopen to the interior of fluid line connector 107, and has a valve stem205 inside the cavity. Also inside the cavity is a valve or biasingspring 207 which is preloaded to exert an axial force on stem 205,forcing it against sealing area 209. Valve stem 205 can thus translateaxially within cavity 203 from a normally closed position, as shown inFIG. 2, to an open position, against the force of spring 207, as shownin FIG. 3.

Collar nut 111 is rotatably disposed about valve body 201, and includesnut flange 215 which axially locates the collar to the valve body byengagement with recess 217. Recess 217 is formed by a nut locatingshoulder 211 and a nut restraining surface 213 that may be attached tofluid line adapter 107. An inner surface 229 of collar nut 111 ispreferably provided, starting at a tab receiving end 231, with threads219 that are adapted to facilitate connecting the valve body to thespout 105. Nut 111 and valve body 201 are oriented to allow coupling ofassembly 101, preferably by each having a coincident valve body and nutaxis 125.

An internal view of nut 111 is shown for two embodiments of thisinvention in FIGS. 6 and 7. Those figures show, respectively, a firstand second embodiment of a thread plan as an unfolded plan view of nutinner surface 229 showing one of threads 219. The advantages of thisinvention can be achieved with one or more threads, with two preferablefor quick-connect operation. The first and second embodimentsincorporate square threads of constant lead angle, α. Although squarethreads are shown, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the artthat thread geometries configured to be compatible with other componentsof this invention can cooperatively work to achieve the advantages ofthis invention, including but not limited to other thread forms andthreads of other pitches or of variable pitch.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show the cylindrical inner surface 229 is presented in aplanar view, with one axis in the axial direction along nut axis 111 andthe other in a circumferential direction along the nut thread pitchcylinder. The line that bounds thread 219 is the root, or recessed area,of the thread. Since the threads of this particular embodiment aresquare, the line representing thread 219 as seen in FIGS. 6 and 7 isalso an edge view of the thread surfaces that contact the tabs or otherthreadably engaged members. Also shown are the tab 117 at various stagesof threading. The tabs or other members to be threadably engaged withnut 111 contact the nut along the nut as shown as the outline of theroot of the threads 219. Some of the thread dimensions are shown inFIGS. 6 and 7 include lead angle, α, the root opening in thecircumferential direction (“circumferential root width”), and the rootopening along the pitch axis (“root length”).

For quick-connect operation thread 219 comprises a pair of squarethreads with an exemplary constant lead angle α in the range of about 2to about 15 degrees, with the threads starting at tab receiving surface231. To provide coupling with a minimum of motion, the layout of thread219 should be such that nut 111 is fully engaged in three-quarters of aturn or less. Note that in order to better shown the operation of theinvention, the axial and circumferential dimensions in FIGS. 6 and 7 arenot to scale, with the axial dimension exaggerated relative to thecircumferential dimension, and thus the angles in FIGS. 6 and 7 is shownas larger than the exemplary angles.

One difference between the various embodiments is the interaction of thethread and tabs when the connector is nearly fully coupled. The firstand second embodiments of FIGS. 6 and 7 differ with respect to theinteraction of the threads and tabs when the tabs are fully engaged atthe tab restraining portions of the thread. In the first embodiment ofFIG. 6 thread 219 opposite tab receiving surface 231 has as a tabrestraining portion that is a detent end 601. The second embodiment ofFIG. 7 has a the tab restraining portion of the thread that includes atapered thread 701 formed by a decrease in the thread root dimensions.In a third embodiment (not shown) the threads are of uniform pitch andform, with the tab restraining portion including an end to the thread,thus forming a positive stopping location for the tabs when theconnector is fully coupled. Details of the operation of tabs in thisinvention is discussed subsequently.

Spout

Spout 105 has a spout opening 113 at the spout end opposite bag flange121 to provide a exit for fluid contained in the bag. The externalsurface of the spout also has a tab flange 115 extending radiallyoutwards from spout 105. On the most radially outwards surface of tabflange 115 are at least one, and preferably two or more, tabs 117 thatlikewise extend radially outwards from both spout 105 and the tabflange. The present invention incorporates the advantages of a screw-onself-locking assembly in a connector that is compatible with existingbag-in-box connectors. Prior art spout threads include either 1) a fullmale one start threads requiring one or more turns, and thus requiringconsiderable vertical space, or 2) incorporate pitched partial threads,forcing an increased vertical height. The present invention reducesvertical height requirement, maintaining compatibility with existingconnectors, and also minimizes the spout height, leading to easier boxloading and removal of the spout by the end user.

The general shape and dimensions of tabs 117 are most easily consideredin relation to a spout axis 123. As seen in the top view of FIG. 4, thetabs have a leading edge 401 that enter threads 219 first uponthreading, and a trailing edge 403 that enters threads 219 last uponthreading. Both leading edge 401 and trailing edge 403 are approximatelyperpendicular to flange 115, as shown in FIG. 5. Other tab 117 surfacesare a tab top side 501 and tab bottom side 503, both of which areapproximately in the same plane as flange 115, a leading edge bevel 505and a tab trailing edge bevel 507, and an outer tab surface 405 that isfurthermost from the spout axis 123. Leading edge 401 and bottom side503 have an included angle, β, as does trailing edge 403 and top side501. Included angle β can be from 5 to 15 degrees. The dimensions of thetabs depend on the amount of interaction with the threads required toachieve the advantages of this invention, and thus will depend on theapplication, the required torque and force, the strength and resilienceof the materials used. For the embodiments presented here eachundeformed tab length extends approximately 5% to 20% of the outersurface of the tab flange 117, has a thickness of from about 1 mm toabout 3 mm, and has a depth sufficient to engage threads 219. Inaddition, the undeformed tab length may range from 80% to 120% of thecircumferential root width depending on the required amount ofinteraction between tabs and threads.

One key feature of the present invention is the flexing and/ordeformation of tabs during threading and in cooperation with the tabrestraining portion of the threads. The tabs are adapted to flexiblycooperate with the threaded line connector during threading.Specifically, tab outer surface 405, which is the radially outermostedge, moves in a direction along spout axis 123, and tab leading edge401 and tab trailing edge 403 move to change the shape of the undeformedtab length, as seen in 117 b, 117 b′, and 117 b″ of FIGS. 6 and 7. Theundeformed tab length may be less than, equal to or greater than thecircumferential root width, with the relative dimensions between threadand tab controlling the amount of deformation of the tab duringthreading. In addition, in some embodiments, tab leading edge is adaptedto deformably mate into the threads at the tab restraining portion ofthe thread, as at tapered thread 701. For a bag-in-box liquid dispensingsystem, the tabs flex under the axial force applied by an operator whichthe connector is being coupled, and the tab restraining interaction actsagainst the force of internal valves and the action of the operator whenuncoupling the connector. The operation of this invention duringthreading and when coupled, and the action of valves internal to theconnector are discussed subsequently.

Other flanges may be incorporated onto the flange, including a locatingflange 119 positioned to extend radially outwards from spout 105 andaxially positioned between tab flange 117 and bag flange 121. Inaddition, there are many valve configuration that can act to seal theline connector and spout. One such configuration is shown in FIGS. 2 and3. Internal to and near the bag flange end of spout 105 is a poppetvalve 221 for sealing the spout. Poppet valve 221 is adapted to seatagainst spout sealing surface 225 under the action of poppet valvespring 223. A poppet valve port 227 in spout sealing surface 225provides opens when poppet valve 221 is opened against the force ofspring 223.

Preferred materials are those that provide the strength needed tocontain the pressure of the fluid lines, have compatibility with thefluid materials, and be easy and inexpensive to manufacture. For use inbag-in-box packages, polyethylene is typical of preferred materials.

Operation of the Invention

The operation of the present invention will be illustrated by way of aconnector for a bag-in-box liquid dispensing system. It will beunderstood by one skilled in the art that this invention is not limitedto use in bag-in-box packages, and that the advantages of thumpinvention can be achieved by implementation in other fluid handlingsystems. Connector assembly 101 is shown in an uncoupled configurationin FIGS. 1 and 2. The fully coupled assembly 101 is shown in FIG. 3. Forillustrative purposes that are not meant to limit the scope of thisinvention, line connector 103 is assumed to be connected to afluid-containing line at fluid line adapter 107 and spout 105 is assumedto be connected to a fluid-containing bag at bag flange 121. Whenuncoupled, line connector 103 and spout 105 are sealed with internalvalves. Specifically, valve stem 205 is in a closed position, keepingany fluid contained in cavity 203 or fluid line adapter 107 fromescaping from valve subassembly 109, and poppet valve 221 is in a closedposition, keeping any fluid contained on the side of the poppet valveopposite spout opening 113 from escaping. In conjunction with thisinvention it is understood that a connector is considered “fullycoupled” as long as an the connection 1) does not leak fluid, and 2)allows for an appreciable flow of fluid through it. Thus a connector isconsidered fully coupled if it does not leak and the valve does notclose.

Connector assembly 101 allows line connector 103 and spout 105 to becoupled, allowing fluid to be transferred from fluid line connector 107to the end of spout 105 near bag flange 121. Coupling is achieved byaligning valve body axis 125 with spout axis 123, allowing the valvebody to be inserted into the spout. In addition to axis alignment, a tabreceiving end 231 of collar nut 111 is rotated so that threads 219 arebrought in contact with tabs 117. Nut 111 is pushed towards bag flange125 while threading tab 117. The force necessary for threading includesa force to move valve stem 205 against spring 207 and a force thatresults in deformation of flexible tab 117. Fluid sealing duringcoupling is achieved with an o-ring 223 on the outer surface of valvebody 205 that contacts the inner surface of spout 105, providing a sealto prevent fluid from leaving connector assembly 101. When valve stem205 and poppet valve 221 further axially approach each other duringcoupling, the valve stem and poppet valve come into contact, forcingthem against their respective spring elements, and providing an axialforce that pushes the line connector and spout away from one another inan axial direction. Prior to full coupling, valve stem 205 and poppetvalve 221 both unseat, providing an opening through the connector.

One important feature of this invention is that tab deformation is usedto provide stability during threading of the connector. In conventionalprior art threading apparatus, the function of the flexible tabs of thepresent invention are replaced with rigid tabs or threads. Duringthreading, forces that cause the spout and nut axis to become misalignedare resisted by prior art rigid connector components. In the presentinvention, the undeformed tab height is small, on the order of theheight of the tab flange, which is from about 1 mm to 3 mm, andpreferably about 1.5 mm. The thin structure of the present invention islimited in the amount of support that the connector components canreceive during threading. Deformation of the tabs will result frompushing or pulling on the tabs or by misalignment of the axis. Axialpushing or pulling will result in an reactive axial force. Deformationof the tabs due to misaligning the spout and nut axis during threadingresults in restorative, stabilizing forces that will tend to realign theaxis. In some embodiments it will be advantageous to use tabs that aretoo large for the thread, and thus the tab will deform during themajority of threading. If less support is required, other embodimentsmay have tabs that easily fit into the thread, and would have little orno deformation in the absence of an axial force. In either case,misalignment of the spout and nut axis will tend to deform the tabs,producing a force tending to realign the axis. The undeformed tab lengthmay range from 80% to 120% of the circumferential root width dependingon the required amount of interaction between tabs and threads. With anundeformed tab length of 80% of the circumferential root length, the tabwill travel up the threads and interact primarily when the spout andconnector are misaligned or when there is an axial force. With anundeformed tab length of 120%, the tab will deform during most of thethreading, providing support and stability to the assembly.

Other important features of this invention include the quickconnect/disconnect action accomplished by having a lead angle α andthread length chosen so that nut 111 fully engages tabs 117 inthree-quarters of a turn or less of the nut, and the placing of tabs 117along the outer edges of tab flange 115. The quick connect/disconnectaction allows assembly 101 to be coupled with a minimal amount ofmotion, while placing flexible tabs 117 on a flange 115 allows the spoutto be used with other, possibly prior art, line connectors that requireonly a flange for coupling.

Yet another important feature of this invention is the self-lockingfeature that results from the interaction and cooperation of tabs andthreads in the fully coupled connector. In some embodiments the axialforce interacts with thread and tab to form a detent or to deform thetabs to provide a self-locking action. In other embodiments the tabsdeform into the threads, providing a resistance to uncoupling. Theamount of force required to achieve the advantages of this inventionwill necessarily depend on the materials, application, and forceavailable to the operator. For application in a bag-in-box liquiddelivery system, it is preferred that the torque applied to nut 111 orany other portion of connector assembly 101 for operation of the presentinvention be less than approximately 10 lbf-in. At the start ofthreading, the interaction between threads and tab should be minimal,preferably less than 0.5 lbf-in, and possibly even 0 lbf-in. Asthreading proceeds the tabs deform and the torque increases to about 10lbf-in, preferably not greater than about 7 lbf-in. The torque to unlockthe connector from the spout is in the range of from 5 lbf-in to about10 lbf-in, and is preferably not less than about 7 lbf-in.

The operation of the invention will now be discussed in detail for threeembodiments. It is understood that the examples and embodimentsdescribed herein are for illustrative purposes only and that variousmodifications or changes in light thereof will be suggested to personsskilled in the art and are to be included within the spirit and purviewof this application and scope of the appended claims.

The progress of tab 117 during threading is shown in FIG. 6 for a firstembodiment and FIG. 7 for a second embodiment. In both cases theundeformed tab height is much smaller than the undeformed tab width, asseen in FIG. 5, and the tab width is nearly equal to the circumferentialroot width, as shown in FIG. 6. For example, the tab width can be fromabout 5 mm to about 25 mm, while the tab height is from about 1 mm toabout 3 mm. This arrangement is for illustrative purposes and is notmeant to limit the scope of this invention. By choosing the width of tab117, the amount of contact with thread 219 can be controlled. The widthof tab 117 as shown in these particular embodiments is assumed to besmall enough so that the tab can progress along thread 219 withoutcontact, and will deform due to forces that cause misalignment. Inabsence of axial forces, tab 117 would thus fit within thread 219without deformation. Tab 117 a represents the first contact of the tabwith nut 111. The included angle β (see FIG. 5) is chosen relative tolead angle α, such that the tab can easily catch the beginning of thread219 and will not bind during threading. As nut 111 is rotated, tab 117travel up the open area of thread 219, from tab 117 b midway up to tab117 c at the end of the thread. When nut 111 is fully engaged, tab 117 dis locked into the thread at a tab restraining portion which is a detent601 in the first embodiment and a tapered thread 701 in the secondembodiment, and the operator will feel a positive indication that thetabs are fully threaded. For a more positive indication, the detent canbe shaped to provide a slight click when engaged. Any fluid that is inthe line attached to fluid line adapter 107 in the bag attached to bagflange 121 can now pass through the connector.

The deformation of tab 117 b is shown in both FIGS. 5 and 6. As notedpreviously, deformation may occur because of a displacement with orwithout spout axis 123 and nut axis 125 aligned. As shown in FIGS. 1-3,the embodiments have two tabs, although more may be used. With two tabs,the force resulting from deformation is imparted in two places on thread219 which are 180 degrees apart. When nut 111 is being forced onto spout105, or if the axis are being displaced towards tab 117 b, deformed tab117 b′ results. The trailing edge of tab 117 b′ preferentially contactsthe trailing edge of thread 219, resulting in a force away from theopening of nut 111. When nut 111 is being pulled away from spout 105, orif the axis are being displaced away from tab 117 b, deformed tab 117 b″results. The heading edge of the tab 117 b″ contacts the leading edge ofthread 219, pushing the nut 111 onto spout 105. Both of these forces,alone or in concert with the forces of other tabs, stabilizes connector101 during threading.

The amount of deformation and the resulting forces that the tabundergoes while threading depends on the undeformed tab height andlength, the circumferential root width, the root length, and the beveland lead angles. These factors, along with the choice of materials,governs the forces that the tab imparts to the thread as a result ofdeformation during threading, and the effect of axial forces on tabdeformation. Alternative embodiments include a longer tab that mustundergo deformation for threading, thereby increasing the interactionbetween thread and tab, and hence the restoring force, and increasing ordecreasing the rigidity of the tab material to increase or decrease therestoring force.

In the coupled configuration, tab 117 d is forced into a position thatresults in a self-locking action. When coupled, the contact betweenvalve stem 205 and poppet valve 221 cause both of the valves to open,while the force of springs 207 and 223 produce an axial force thatmutually repels line connector 103 and spout 105. Thus tab 117 d, whichis the tab in the coupled configuration, undergoes a force pushing thetab towards the tab receiving end 231. To remained fully coupled, theself-locking action resists spring 207 and 223 forces, as well as anyexternally applied force. In the first embodiment of FIG. 6, the leadingedge of thread 219 has a notch that acts as detent 601. The fullythreaded tab 117 d drops into detent 601 and is held in place by theaxial force of the coupled valves, and deformation of tab 117 d is notnecessary in this embodiment to restrain the tab in the fully threadedposition. In an alternative embodiment, tab 117 may be configured to beself-locking within the detent without the force of the springs. Ineither case unthreading is accomplished either by pushing nut 111towards spout 105 followed by an unthreading twist, or by twisting hardenough to cause tab 117 d to deform and jump over detent 601.

In the second embodiment of FIG. 7, there is a change in the shape ofthread 219 as it tapers to tapered thread 701. Tapering is accomplishedby narrowing the dimensions of the which the tab moves duringengagement. For the square threads of FIG. 7, the circumferential rootwidth, the root length, or some combination of these dimensions decreaseover the last fractional turn before nut 111 is tightened. As a resultof threading tabs 117 into this tapered or confined space, a positive,self-locking stop is provided by tightening nut 111 with enough force todeform and lodge tab 117 d into tapered thread 701. Spring forces 207and 223 act to increase the friction required to uncouple the connector,but are not necessarily required for this embodiment. Tab 117 and thread219 materials are chosen so that the lodged tab 117 d requires a forcegreater than the axial valve force for unlodging.

In a third embodiment (not shown) the threads are of uniform pitch andform, with the tab restraining portion including an end to the thread,thus forming a positive stopping location for the tabs when theconnector is fully coupled. The end of thread for this embodimentincludes, for example, a thread that presents a flat surface to theleading tab surface, or any other shaped surface on the threaded bodypresenting a surface that would be perceived by the operator asindicating that the end of thread had been reached. As line connector103 and spout 105 are brought together during coupling, the force ofsprings 223 and 207 increases. The increased force flexes tabs 117 in amanner similar to tab 117 b′ or 117 b″ of FIG. 6 or 7, increasing thefriction on the threads and the force necessary to couple or uncouplethe connector. When fully coupled, the increased friction is sufficientto resist any uncoupling force, either from springs 223 and 207, or froman external source. In an alternative embodiment, tabs 117 may longenough so that they are deformed by the threads, irregardless of anyforces on the tabs. Thus the tabs will naturally deform and increase thefriction with the threads, providing an uncoupling resistive force.

When decoupling the line from the bag, nut 111 is twisted in thedirection necessary to unthread the nut with a force sufficient todeform tab 117 d so that the thread can proceed towards tab receivingend 231 of the nut. In addition, a slight axial force on nut 111 towardsspout 105 will also facilitate unlocking the nut. The spout and lineconnector will be forced away from each other due to the unthreadingmotion, the both valves will reseat, the o-ring seal will be broken andthe line connector and spout can be decoupled. Only fluid that isbetween spout sealing surface 225 and o-ring 233 that can escape fromconnector assembly 101 when the connector is decoupled.

As mentioned previously, for application in a bag-in-box liquid deliverysystem, it is preferred that the torque applied to nut 111 or any otherportion of connector assembly 101 for operation of the present inventionbe less than approximately 10 lbf-in. At the start of threading, theinteraction between threads and tab should be minimal, preferably lessthan 0.5 lbf-in, and possibly even 0 lbf-in. As threading proceeds thetabs deform and the torque increases to about 10 lbf-in, preferably notgreater than about 7 lbf-in. The torque to unlock the connector from thespout is in the range of from 5 lbf-in to about 10 lbf-in, and ispreferably not less than about 7 lbf-in.

Alternate Embodiments

In addition, there are other embodiments within the scope if thisinvention. The invention may be embodied by with axially engaging valvesof many different designs. Thus the spout valve could be a slider valvewith a probe to actuate the valve stem or could be a poppet valve with aunitary springs valve design, or could not include a valve and consistsubstantially as a probe to actuate the stem valve.

There are also other thread designs and configurations that would allowthe device to perform according to the invention. Some examples are theincorporation of threads that are other than square, that do not have aconstant pitch, or that do not have a constant threading area. Inaddition, the self-locking and stabilizing action of the threads of thepresent invention can be accomplished by several means, including havingthreads that have varying undeformed tab height, or that have roundedleading or trailing edges. The secureness of the coupled connector canbe adjusted through the spring forces of both the valve springs and thestiffness of the tabs, for example as in raising the torque for couplingand uncoupling by increasing the spring forces.

Conclusion

The invention has now been explained with regard to specificembodiments. Variations on these embodiments and other embodiments maybe apparent to those of skill in the art. It is understood that theexamples and embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposesonly and that various modifications or changes in light thereof will besuggested to persons skilled in the art and are to be included withinthe spirit and purview of this application and scope of the appendedclaims. All publications, patents, and patent applications cited hereinare hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

What is claimed:
 1. A spout and connector assembly comprising: a) aspout having an outer surface and a spout opening; b) at least oneflexible tab attached to and protruding away from the outer surface; andc) a connector having a connector opening and an internal thread;wherein when the at least one flexible tab and the internal thread arerotatably engaged together during assembly of the spout and connector,the at least one flexible tab is deformed and provides an alignmentforce that tends to align the connector and spout; and wherein the atleast one flexible tab is deformed such that a torque to the connectoris less than about 10 lbf-in.
 2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the atleast one flexible tab and the internal thread are so configured andarranged that the spout and connector are fully coupled together with nomore than about three-quarters of a turn.
 3. The assembly of claim 1,wherein the torque is from about 5 lbf-in to about 7 lbf-in.
 4. Theassembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one flexible tab includes twoflexible tabs.
 5. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least oneflexible tab has an undeformed tab length of from about 80 percent toabout 120 percent of a circumferential root width of the internalthread.
 6. The assembly of claim 5, wherein the internal thread has alead angle of from about 2 degrees to about 15 degrees.
 7. The assemblyof claim 5, wherein the at least one flexible tab has a leading edge anda bottom which form an included angle of from about 5 degrees to about15 degrees.
 8. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the internal thread hasan abrupt end, and the at least one flexible tab and the abrupt endprovide a positive indication that the spout and connector are fullycoupled.
 9. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the internal thread has atapered thread portion, and the at least one flexible tab and thetapered thread portion provide a positive indication that the spout andconnector are fully coupled.
 10. The assembly of claim 9, wherein anundeformed height of the at least one flexible tab is from about 1 mm toabout 3 mm.
 11. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the internal thread hasa detent, the at least one flexible tab and the detent provide apositive indication that the spout and connector are fully coupled. 12.The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a valve biased towards aclosed state, the valve having an open state when the spout andconnector are coupled together.
 13. The assembly of claim 1, wherein thespout and connector are coupled together such that the spout andconnector can be uncoupled with a torque of less than about 10 lbf-in.14. The assembly of claim 13, wherein the torque is from about 7 lbf-into about 10 lbf-in.
 15. The assembly of claim 1, wherein a spout axis ofthe spout and a connector axis of the connector are substantiallyaligned when the spout and connector are assembled together.
 16. Theassembly of claim 1, wherein the internal thread further comprises a tabrestraining portion.
 17. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the spout andconnector are coupled together with a torque of less than about 10lbf-in.
 18. The assembly of claim 17, wherein the torque is less thanabout 7 lbf-in.
 19. A self-locking fluid flow connector assemblycomprising: a) a tabbed body having a surface, an axis, and at least oneflexible tab protruding away from said surface in a directionperpendicular to said axis; and b) a threaded body having an openingadapted to receive said tabbed body, and a thread threadably engagedwith the at least one flexible tab, wherein during assembly of thetabbed body and the threaded body, the at least one flexible tab deformsand biases the tabbed and threaded bodies toward alignment with eachother and wherein the at least one flexible tab is deformed such that atorque to the connector is less than about 10 lbf-in.
 20. The assemblyof claim 19, wherein the thread has an abrupt end, and the at least oneflexible tab and the abrupt end provide a positive indication that thetabbed and threaded bodies are fully coupled.
 21. The assembly of claim19, wherein the thread has a tapered thread portion, and the at leastone flexible tab and the tapered thread portion provide a positiveindication that the tabbed and threaded bodies are fully coupled. 22.The assembly of claim 19, wherein the thread has a detent, the at leastone flexible tab and the detent provide a positive indication that thetabbed and threaded bodies are fully coupled.
 23. The assembly of any ofclaims 19, 20, 21, or 22, further comprising a spring assembly thatprovides an axial force that opposes threading of the tabbed andthreaded bodies.
 24. The assembly of claim 19, wherein the at least oneflexible tab and the thread are so configured and arranged that thetabbed and threaded bodies are fully coupled together with no more thanabout three-quarters of a turn.